A09443:64
A godly and learned exposition or commentary upon the three first chapters of the…A godly and learned exposition or commentarie vpon the three first chapters of the…
A godly and learned exposition or commentary upon the three first chapters of the Revelation. Preached in Cambridge by that reverend and judicious divine, master William Perkins, Ann. Dom. 1595. First published for the benefit of Gods Church, by Robert Hill, Bachelor of DivinityA godly and learned exposition or commentarie vpon the three first chapters of the Reuelation. Preached in Cambridge by that reuerend and judicious diuine, maister William Perkins, Ann. Dom. 1595. First published for the benefit of Gods Church, by Robert Hill, Bachelor of Diuinitie
London: printed by Adam Islip for Cuthbert Burbie, 1606
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
Secondly, this circumstance of time serveth greatly to comfort the servants of Christ, and to furnish them with all patience, and long suffering under any adversity, or distress that may befall them in body or mind, or both. Indeed many are brought to impatience and distrust by afflictions and crosses: But the child of God in such a case must call to mind what the holy ghost hath here set down concerning the prophecies of this book, which foretell deliverance for Gods Church, and for every member thereof: namely, That they must shortly be brought to pass: yet a very little while, and he that cometh for their deliverance, will come, and will not tarry, Hebr. 10. vers. 37.
Secondly, this circumstance of time serueth greatly to comfort the seruants of Christ, and to furnish them with all patience, and long suffering vnder any aduersitie, or distresse that may befall them in bodie or mind, or both. Indeed many are brought to impatience and distrust by afflictions and crosses: But the child of God in such a case must call to mind what the holy ghost hath here set down concerning the prophecies of this booke, which foretell deliuerance for Gods Church, and for euerie member thereof: namely, That they must shortly be brought to passe: yet a very little while, and hee that commeth for their deliuerance, will come, and will not tarrie, Hebr. 10. vers. 37.
Thus much for the matter of this revelation: now follow the instruments whereby the Lord doth convey the same unto his Church, which is the first argument whereby it is described, in these words. Which he sent, and showed by his Angel unto his servant John. Where two points must be observed, first the action of Christ, which is the ground of their employment: secondly the persons employed therein as his instruments. For the first: Christ sent and showed this revelation. This action of Christ is noted by the holy ghost for two special causes; first to show, That S. John did not pen and publish this book rashly, but by calling and warrant from God. This teacheth us what must be our behaviour in all our actions whatsoever we take in hand: we must look we have warrant from God for the doing of the same, by virtue of our calling, and with out this we should not dare to enterprise any thing.